Places to Check for Mold

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

this mold was found growing behind paneling that was placed directly over drywall.

The best strategy to fight mold is to try to prevent it in the first place. In order to do that we need to understand that mold needs three things in order to grow; Oxygen, Food, and Water. These ingredients are virtually anywhere therefore it is necessary to take pay attention to those places in your home where it could appear and spread. Some places in your home where you should keep an eye for mold are:

The Walls; Mold can appear in the walls of your home due to plumbing leaks. It can growth from the inside, behind the wall or on the wall itself where it can be visible. The problem with the first two is that it can happen without you knowing is even there, by the time that is visible it usually means it is pretty bad and it can be dangerous (Mold is taking over).Therefore, try to check your walls for signs like discoloration and peeling of the paint.

Basement; some of the reasons for mold to growth in your basement may be flooding issues or the condensation from the pipes created from the cold during winter. The exposed beams, the walls, (sometimes carpet), and furniture are usually the items where mold can grow in your basement. We recommend to check this area of your home once a month or as often as you can, to avoid having issues with mold due to not knowing what is happening there.

Carpet;  Mold can growth in carpets due to leaks in the house, flooding, and even pet urine. The problem with the carpet is that sometimes the mold grows beneath it and when it becomes visible it means that it is severe by that moment. You should inspect your carpet around the house to make sure that no water, or any moisture is in it to prevent mold to growth and spread.

Finally, our last recommendation is to always address any water problems that you have right away, leaks, floods, or standing water, because these scenarios are the perfect opportunity for mold to growth. If you ever experience a water loss please consider a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Bellmore / Wantagh to help you to restore your home and to prevent mold to appear. Remember prevention is the key to keep mold away from your property and your health.